Six FCS Football Teams That Failed To Meet Expectations In 2025

Which FCS teams entered the year with lofty preseason expectations but failed to deliver on the field?

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The 2025 FCS football season has officially come to a close, and it's time to take a look at some of the biggest underachievers of the year. We take a look at six FCS teams that failed to meet preseason expectations, including Incarnate Word, Idaho, Western Carolina, Southern, Richmond, and North Carolina Central.

Why it matters

These teams were expected to compete at a high level and potentially make the FCS Playoffs, but they fell short of those goals. Understanding why they underperformed can provide insights into the challenges facing FCS programs and the unpredictable nature of college football.

The details

Incarnate Word was a top-5 preseason team but struggled with offensive line issues and quarterback play, finishing 5-7. Idaho lost key players to the transfer portal and injuries, going 4-8 after a preseason top-15 ranking. Western Carolina started 0-3 due to a quarterback suspension before rallying, but still fell short of the playoffs. Southern was the preseason SWAC West favorite but had one of the worst seasons in program history at 2-10. Richmond joined the Patriot League with high expectations but went just 3-4 in conference play. North Carolina Central returned the most starters in the MEAC but finished 8-4 and 3-2 in the conference, below their championship goals.

  • The 2025 FCS football season has officially come to a close.
  • Incarnate Word started the season 2-6 before winning 3 of their final 4 games.
  • Idaho lost 7 of their final 9 games after a strong start.
  • Western Carolina won 6 straight games after an 0-3 start but faltered down the stretch.
  • Southern fired head coach Terrence Graves on Oct. 20 and named Marshall Faulk as the new head coach on Nov. 29.
  • Richmond entered the season with Top 25 expectations but finished 7-5 overall and 3-4 in the Patriot League.

The players

Ricard Torres

The projected starting quarterback for Incarnate Word who was benched in favor of freshman EJ Colson.

Joshua Wood

The starting quarterback for Idaho who missed time due to injury, contributing to the Vandals' struggles.

Taron Dickens

The Western Carolina quarterback who was suspended for the first three games of the season.

Terrence Graves

The former head coach of Southern who was fired on Oct. 20 after the Jaguars started the season 2-10.

Marshall Faulk

The Pro Football Hall of Famer who was named the new head coach of Southern on Nov. 29.

Walker Harris

The best returning quarterback in the MEAC for North Carolina Central.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.